DCHHS encourages residents in affected areas to be a part of the solution by eliminating insect breeding areas and larvae before mosquitoes reach the airborne stage. In conjunction with Dallas County municipalities, mosquito abatement teams are responding by treating impacted areas and DCHHS has scheduled ground spraying in the below area (s), weather permitting:

DeSoto

Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 31 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Residents should remain inside during the time sprayers are in the area. Spraying will not be conducted in the event of wind speeds in excess of 10 mph or inclement weather.

Residents should use the 4Ds to reduce exposure to mosquitoes:

DEET All Day, Every Day:Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and follow instructions.

Dress:Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.

Drain:Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace.

Dusk & Dawn:Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Standing water can be treated with EPA-approved larvicides that are available for retail purchase. Larvicides are products used to kill immature mosquitoes before they become adults. Larvicides are applied directly to water sources that hold mosquito eggs, larvae, or pupae. When used well, larvicides can help reduce the overall mosquito burden by limiting the number of mosquitoes that are produced, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.